The Department of State Services (DSS) has lodged five terrorism-related charges against self-styled activist Muhammad Mahdi Shehu.
PRNigeria gathered this move followed his rearrest by security operatives last week at his clinic in Unguwar Dosa, Kaduna.
A Kaduna State High Court had granted Mahdi Shehu bail in the amount of N3 million two weeks ago, with the condition that he provides two reputable clerics as sureties.
Shehu’s arrest stemmed from allegations of disseminating misleading videos that went viral. On January 2, 2025, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kaduna had previously ordered his detention due to a social media post perceived as a threat to national security.
The current case has been filed at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, advancing after the DSS submitted an ex parte motion to detain Shehu for 60 days to facilitate their investigation. This motion was submitted in accordance with Section 66 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In granting the order, Justice Rilwan Aikawa authorized the DSS to hold Shehu for 60 days to allow for the completion of their investigative processes.
The charges against Shehu include:
1. False Publication to Cause Public Alarm, contrary to Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act;
2. Dissemination of Terrorism-Related False Information, against Section 26(2)(a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022;
3. Intentional Dissemination of False Information, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended);
4. False Allegation of Treasonable Act, in violation of Section 41 of the Criminal Code Act; and
5. Use of Social Media to Support False Allegations of National Security Threat, contrary to Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
According to PRNigeria, the DSS recently apprehended Shehu after he shared doctored videos that falsely claimed the Nigerian government had permitted France to establish a military base in Northern Nigeria. He now faces charges that include conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism, and inciting public disorder. (PRNigeria)
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